Chapter 52
Margaret sat primly on the side of the dais reserved for herself, Martin and Louisa. Her hands were clasped gently in her lap, her legs held to the side, ankles crossed just as she was taught all those years ago in finishing school. The formal part of Christopher's memorial service was about to begin and the current head of surgery took the podium. "I'd like to welcome all of you here as we commemorate the life of one of our great surgeons, Christopher Ellingham, who served and guided us so well over many years." She heard Martin groan softly and felt a wave of embarrassment wash over her. The scowl that he had borne as they greeted their guests hadn't changed; he looked angry, not grief-stricken. She hoped that the others in the room took his groan as a sign of sorrow, not as the expression of disrespect that it most certainly was. She noticed Louisa place her hand on his sleeve and turn her head to face him. She could only hope that Louisa would keep him civil during the ceremony.
"Firstly, I'd like to welcome, Margaret Ellingham, Christopher's devoted wife and now unfortunately, his lovely widow. She herself was instrumental in many of the improvements made during his tenure here at Imperial, and at St. Thomas', working tirelessly with the hospital auxiliary to raise much needed funds and to guide our development as a preeminent medical facility for the city community." Margaret wanted desperately to stand and take a bow as the audience clapped, but she knew that was not appropriate. She had been to several of these memorials before and she knew the protocol; she smiled gently and nodded her head in acknowledgement of the recognition afforded to her own role in Christopher's career. "You have our heartfelt sympathies for the loss of your loving husband." She nodded again and mouthed a whispered "Thank you."
"Next I'd like to recognise Christopher's son, Martin Ellingham, a preeminent surgeon in his own right and current head of vascular here at Imperial. Martin, we are sorry for your loss. I know it has been a difficult journey watching your father struggle against the ravages of his declining health." Martin, still scowling, nodded his acceptance of the recognition.
"And last, but not least I'd like to thank Martin's beautiful and talented wife Louisa who worked tirelessly so that we could gather here today to celebrate the life of her distinguished father-in-law." Louisa also nodded her head and smiled graciously at the recognition, as she reached for Martin's hand.
Margaret turned her head to look at Louisa. Margaret had to acknowledge that she was beautiful; and despite her unfortunate breeding, she did have a refined and stately air about her. No one would guess at her working-class background. Martin was lucky to have found such a wife given his surly nature, and they were right to thank Louisa for her part in planning this memorial service. If it weren't for her, they might not be sitting here today. Martin's plan was to inter his father's remains in the family crypt with a short prayer service graveside, which they had done shortly after his death. Margaret was insistent that they hold a memorial service as well, commensurate with his standing in the medical community. She felt Shepherd Hall at St. Thomas' was the perfect venue with its spectacular views overlooking the Thames. Martin had balked at her plans, arguing that she had no funds available for a simple service, let alone an elaborate memorial service. The two had nearly come to blows when Louisa stepped in to offer a compromise.
Louisa arranged for a short memorial service in one of the reception halls at Imperial followed by a modest reception of wine and canapes in an adjoining room. Margaret had inspected the hall and the refreshments an hour or so before the guests started to arrive. It was spartan compared to what Christopher deserved, but she had come to accept that it was what they could afford. She herself would have selected more comfortable chairs with a more sombre colour scheme, but they served the purpose and were adequate, she supposed. The same could be said for the refreshments. There was nothing special to be had, but the catering was satisfactory and she heard no complaints while the attendees were mingling after the formal part of the service. There was a large crowd in attendance and everyone was very impressed with the arrangements. Of course, they were all professionals and knew formal respect was the order of the day. She was certain they were just being polite.
During the time she had spent in London after Chris had broken his hip, she had hoped to forge a friendship with Louisa. Louisa had accepted Margaret's invitation to meet for lunch shortly after her return from Portugal. It had been an interesting encounter. She and Louisa couldn't be more different. Despite Louisa's education she still retained some of her working-class values, even breastfeeding her children; no woman of proper breeding did that, Margaret was certain. But, Louisa did seem interested in the life she shared with Christopher in Portugal and Margaret felt it was a promising start to a longer term relationship. She even invited Louisa to bring the children over to play in the pool when she visited her mother.
unfortunately Louisa was unable, or unwilling, to recognize the responsibilities that came with being the wife of a department head. Despite Margaret's efforts to encourage her membership in the hospital auxiliary where the real power for a woman lay, Louisa adamantly resisted, insisting that the time she spent raising her children was where her value lay. Margaret tried her best to convince her that a nanny was best suited to raising children, and that Louisa's time could be better spent promoting her husband's career. Louisa was stubborn and not to be swayed. Margaret realised too late that she had pushed her too far when Louisa had become angry and left in a huff.
It took all her wiles over the next two months to establish a more concrete connection with her son's wife. Truth be told, it wasn't a true friendship, more of a mutually respectful acquaintance but they had maintained this diplomatic relationship during the nearly two years she and Christopher had since spent in Portugal. When she tried to visit with Louisa and the children after that first meeting, she was rebuffed; apparently Martin had forbidden his family to have any contact with her whilst she was in town. Eventually, Louisa took one of her telephone calls. She confirmed that Martin had insisted that Margaret was to have no contact with the children and that she felt she must acquiesce to his wishes. When Margaret expressed her dismay at this prohibition, never to experience the joy of seeing her grandchildren, Louisa relented a bit saying she understood and offered to send periodic photos with short notes outlining their accomplishments and developmental milestones.
Margaret still issued invitations to visit when she knew they would be in Portugal visiting with Louisa's mother, but Louisa never accepted them. It was terribly disappointing that she was not able to have the children visit and engage with her friends, but she did have pictures to share, and that was some consolation. She could hold her head high as she passed the photos around in the group of proud grandmothers and bragged about the children's accomplishments.
Her friends understood her difficult relationship with her son and were all in agreement that he was in the wrong. It was beyond understanding, this antipathy Martin held against Christopher and herself. Hadn't they given him every advantage, a good home and the best education? He wouldn't be in his current prestigious position if it weren't for their support. What possible harm could come to the children to spend a short afternoon with her whilst Louisa was visiting her mother? It was baffling. At least her friends were supportive and always complimentary of the children's accomplishments.
Despite his initial anger at the repercussions from his fall and broken hip, Chris soon took his situation as a serious wakeup call to work on the physical therapy required to regain some of his mobility. He never was able to progress to walking unaided despite his efforts. He continued to require the use of a walking frame in moving about the house, and a wheel chair for outside excursions, but after a few months of hard work, his consultants considered his progress sufficient for he and Margaret to move back to their home in Portugal. As his mobility improved, his temperament seemed to improve as well. He became less bitter and more amiable, more like the outgoing personable Christopher she had married. And, Margaret had been right when she had claimed that spending time with his friends, even if he couldn't join them on the golf course, was just what he needed to raise his spirits.
It took the entire three months whilst Chris was in rehabilitation for Ruth to find a health aide that was satisfactory to Margaret. Perhaps Margaret was a little too exacting in her requirements. Ruth certainly seemed to think so, and Margaret admitted to herself that she found Ruth's frustration particularly satisfying. But Ruth needed to understand that this aide would be spending many hours every day in their home, working in their kitchen, helping Christopher in the lavatory and occasionally spending time in their lounge during the evenings when she went out with her friends. It was important that they find the right sort of person. Finally, the agency with whom they were working found someone who seemed perfect, a young man with perfect manners, who spoke fluent English and who had a nursing background. She was hopeful that he would notice any significant changes in Christopher's health before another medical crises occurred.
It worked out well until Chris suffered a massive heart attack two months ago and died within minutes. She was grateful that he didn't linger. She wasn't sure she could have endured another round of hospital and care home visits. Unfortunately, his death meant that she would have to make significant changes in her lifestyle. Martin had convinced his father that she wasn't up to handling their finances and he had given Martin the authority to take care of their financial affairs with the proviso that Chris' banker audit the books every year. Martin had handed over the day to day work to Ruth who had been handling their affairs ever since they returned to Portugal. Martin limited his role to reviewing the books every three months or so. As long as Chris was living and receiving his monthly pension, this arrangement worked out well. But now, Margaret's financial situation would be constrained and she would have to justify any extraneous expense to Ruth's critical eye. She was dreading the inevitable confrontations that would arise. Fortunately, Ruth was away on her honeymoon and wouldn't be back for another three weeks. Margaret still had time to enjoy herself; and with her improved relationship with Louisa, she hoped to secure additional financial support from Martin.
The last of the speakers finished his accolades and Louisa stood to invite the guests to enjoy the refreshments in the next room. Margaret rose and almost immediately, old friends and acquaintances joined her to offer their condolences. She was overwhelmed with gratitude, basking in all the attention. Louisa came over to where she was standing, encouraging them to make their way to the next room where tables had been set up for them to relax and reminisce. They had also set up several tables with old photos of Chris at various stages in his life along with certificates noting his accomplishments over the course of his career.
Immediately, Martin had recused himself to the lavatory in an effort to escape the many who wished to speak to him of his father's work, but he returned after ten minutes or so to stand quietly in a back corner, glowering at his mother and grimacing whenever someone headed his way. Nevertheless, many of those in attendance found him and offered him their condolences. Margaret noticed that he generally replied with a blunt 'Right' or 'Yes' or even the occasional grunt, refusing to engage with those who were hoping he would share a memory or two. When she wasn't supervising the catering crew, Louisa stood by his side chatting convivially with those who wanted to share a memory with Martin, a story of his father's exploits in theatre or his antics outside of it. She held on to his hand tightly, admirably performing her role as the consoling wife. Margaret knew that she was actually preventing him from escaping. Why couldn't he act graciously even if he felt otherwise; it was a question of good manners, after all, and good manners cost so little. Martin's incivility was the only thing that marred an otherwise delightful day.